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We both have a burger, and she laughs when we’re almost finished. I look at her and raise my eyebrow. “I’m sorry, but Brody told me there was going to be food, and here we are stuffing our faces before we get there.”
I finish my last bite and smile at her. “Good, this way we’ll appear like chicks who don’t stuff their faces, but we will be full.” We both laugh and I start to feel a little sad knowing this is our last night together. I’m going to miss her so much.
She checks the time, and since the party started an hour and a half ago, she’s happy. We pay our bill and go out to the car. I program the address into my GPS and pull out into traffic. Even though I’m excited to get out and meet some new people, I’m also a little nervous. I know I’ll lose Shannon shortly after we get there, so this is the true test to showing the old me. I need to keep my confidence high and not shy away from anyone.
We pull onto the street and I don’t even need the GPS to tell me what house it is. There are a ton of cars. I’m speechless. Shannon, however, is not.
“Holy shit. When he said his brother was having a party, he wasn’t kidding. What, does he know everyone in fucking California?” I laugh and park way up the street. I take a deep breath and get out of the car. Shannon must sense my little bit of nerves because she meets me at the back of the car and holds my hand. “London, I won’t leave you unless you’re comfortable, but remember what we talked about. I know the old you, before you were London. You were fun, outgoing, and funny as hell. I know you’re still that girl, you just need to realize it.”
She’s right, and even though I hate that she brings up who I was before London, I know exactly what she means. I am still the same person, and tonight I’m going to prove it. “Let’s go. Time for London to let Laken in.”
She pulls me into a hug and kisses my cheek. “I haven’t heard you use your real name in years. This is a new you. Nothing can stop you now.”
She’s right. I haven’t referred to myself as Laken since I left Florida. Everyone, including Shannon, calls me London. I’m done hiding. It’s exhausting. I’m ready to show California who I really am.
We walk toward the house, and I feel myself getting more and more excited the closer we get. When we get to the door, I smile at Shannon. “Can’t wait to meet fuckable Brody.” She laughs as she knocks and a very attractive girl opens the door.
“Hi, I’m Monica. Everyone is out back.” We thank her and I take it all in. This definitely looks like a bachelor pad. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a really nice house, just a bit bare. We go out back and I’m blown away by not only the amount of people, but also how beautiful the yard is. We stand there for a second before the elusive fuckable Brody makes his way over. I have to admit, he is hot as hell. He pulls Shannon in for a hug and I smile.
“You must be London. I’ve heard so much about you. It’s great to finally get to meet you.” He actually gives me a quick hug, which throws me off a bit.
I laugh lightly and smile up at him. “Same here. I feel like I know you already.”
He smiles down at Shannon and winks. I don’t know what the hell it is, but when a guy winks, it’s like an instant turn-on. Why is that?
“Are you hungry? Can I get you something to drink?” We both turn down the food, but gladly take a beer. “Let me introduce you guys to a few people.” Shannon glances at me and I mouth “fuckable” and she busts out laughing. He walks us over to the hot tub, where there is a couple pretty heavily making out. I actually turn away because I don’t think he should interrupt them. “Can you guys take a break for a second, damn.” They pull apart and I take a step back. No. Fucking. Way. “Shannon, London, this is my brother, Jax, and his girlfriend, Kallie.”
“London, oh my God. This is the party you got invited to?” Kallie laughs while Shannon turns to me. I take a deep breath and remind myself I may be called London, but I am Laken. I laugh and move a little closer.
“What are the chances? I had no idea Brody was your brother, Jax.” Shannon moves closer to me and grabs my hand. I squeeze her hand and nod, letting her know I’m all right.
“Yeah, Brody doesn’t like people to know we’re related. He’s jealous,” Jax whispers. We all laugh when Brody smacks him in the back of the head.
“Jealous, my ass. Now how about you stop being so fucking rude and say hi to Shannon.” He smiles. “No offense, London.” Yep, I really like him.
Jax and Kallie get out of the hot tub, and after a quick introduction, they excuse themselves to go change. Brody leads us over to a table that is now free, and without appearing obvious, I search around to see if Blake is anywhere. I know seeing him will be embarrassing, but with my new outlook, I know I can do it.
Once we sit down, Brody and Shannon start talking, and I’m starting to feel a little out of place. Thankfully, Jax and Kallie join us. Now that they’re dry, they both give Shannon and me a hug before they sit down.
“Shannon, it really is great to meet you. So, let me get this right. You are London’s best friend, and you and Brody ended up meeting at the club last week?” She laughs and tells him yes. “That’s fucking ironic, but so cool. I mean, I invited London to this party last week, and she ended up not being able to make it because you guys were going to a party and it was this one.” We all laugh at how Jax recaps the whole thing, as if we didn’t know. For about two hours, the five of us talk, laugh, and drink. I need to start drinking water if I’m going to drive home.
“Jax, do you have bottled water?” He goes to get up but I’m faster. “Don’t get up, just tell me where.”
He directs me to the fridge in the house, so I go inside to grab a bottle. Before I do though, I take a quick trip to the bathroom. Thankfully, Shannon and I found it before, so I didn’t look like an idiot peeking behind closed doors. After I pee, I check myself in the mirror and wipe the little bit of eyeliner that started to run. I smile at myself and leave to go get my water. After I reach in and grab one, I close the fridge.
“Holy shit, London.”
With my heart pounding in my chest and my palms sweating, I plaster a smile on my face. “Hi, Blake.”
Chapter Four
Blake
London is standing in my kitchen. What in the hell is going on here? I take her in because a part of me feels like maybe I’m drunker than I thought I was and she’s not actually here. No, it’s definitely her, and she doesn’t look nearly as surprised to see me as I am to see her. She’s standing there with a smile on her face, holding a cold bottle of water. She seems so relaxed, like this is just a normal day. Normal day, my ass. I’ve done nothing but think about this girl, and she’s done nothing but avoid me.
I realize we’ve just been staring at each other, so I figure I better say something. “So, how are you?” My God, I sound like a pussy. I mentally slap the shit out of myself, and I notice her smile is slowly slipping away.
She blows out a breath and focuses on floor before lifting her eyes to me. “I owe you so many apologies I don’t even know where to start, but I’m going to try.” She stares right in my eyes and I cross my arms, waiting to hear what she has to say. “First of all, I’m sorry I ran out on you in New York. I’m sorry I didn’t return your phone call when we got home, and that when I returned your text I sounded like a drunk ass.” She tries to hide her smile, but I can totally see it. She glances down and then surprises the shit out of me when she slaps my arm, hard as hell. She bursts out laughing, and it’s impossible to keep the grin off my face. “Well, shit. I just slapped you. I didn’t mean to do it that hard.” She must be drunk because she bends over at the waist, laughing.
